Certification: The Foundation for Motors in Explosive Atmospheres
Designing motors for explosive environments requires more than just building rugged, reliable equipment. “Certification is the foundation of every project we undertake for hazardous environments,” says Luca Zerbato, Chief Engineer at Orange1 Holding. “A motor’s robustness alone isn’t sufficient — it must be rigorously tested and certified for the specific markets and hazardous conditions in which it will operate.”
Selecting a certified motor is critical if you are developing equipment destined for potentially explosive atmospheres — such as oil & gas facilities, chemical plants, biogas systems, or marine applications. For original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), the challenge goes beyond safety: to sell internationally, the motor must carry certifications recognized across various key regions, including Europe, India, Korea, and more.
Orange1’s flameproof motors come with ATEX certification and additional global approvals, giving OEMs confidence and compliance for their equipment worldwide.
Why Certification Matters: More Than Just a Legal Requirement
Orange1 offers motors certified under standards including ATEX, IECEx, UL, and others tailored to project needs. “Compliance is always verified per application and destination market,” notes Zerbato.
What Is ATEX Certification for Motors?
ATEX — short for Atmosphères Explosibles — is a European Union directive (2014/34/EU) detailing safety requirements for equipment used in explosive atmospheres. ATEX certification ensures that motors do not ignite flammable gases, vapors, or dust in hazardous settings. It is mandatory for all equipment sold or operated within the EU and is widely recognized internationally.
“From my perspective, ATEX is more than just a European regulation,” adds Zerbato. “It’s a benchmark for how seriously a supplier takes safety. Choosing an ATEX-certified motor means choosing proven, robust safety by design.”
When Do OEMs Need ATEX Motors?
OEMs must use ATEX-certified motors when their equipment will be installed in facilities like refineries, offshore platforms, or chemical plants within Europe. In these markets, ATEX isn’t optional — it’s law.
In the U.S., hazardous location standards are governed by NEC and UL rules. However, ATEX certification becomes a critical part of the compliance equation for companies exporting equipment internationally.
“I often tell OEMs in the U.S.: if your equipment stays domestic, ATEX may not apply,” says Zerbato. “But if you’re exporting even part of your production, you can’t afford to ignore it. Designing with ATEX in mind from the start saves time and cost later.”
Real-World Success: Explosion-Proof Pumps for Gas Sampling
One U.S. customer manufacturing explosion-proof pumps needed motors that were compliant with multiple standards because their equipment operates in hazardous environments worldwide.
“They required a motor that met European and Korean certifications without multiple redesigns,” recalls Zerbato. “We supplied a flameproof motor certified for ATEX and IECEx, also approved under Korean KOSHA standards. This allowed their pumps to sell seamlessly in multiple regions.”
This approach saved the OEM significant cost and time, eliminating the need to navigate separate certification processes.
Design Considerations for ATEX Motors
ATEX-certified motors require more than standard industrial design. Engineers must address:
- Enclosure Integrity: to safely contain sparks or flames.
- Thermal Management: to maintain surface temperatures below ignition points.
- Electrical Protection: to minimize risk of arcs inside the equipment.
“Surface temperature control is particularly critical,” explains Zerbato. “Even small hot spots can ignite a hazardous atmosphere, so we dedicate significant engineering to thermal and enclosure design.”
Comparing Global Hazardous Location Standards
| Standard | Region | Scope | Typical Label |
| ATEX (2014/34/EU) | European Union | Equipment for explosive atmospheres | Ex d, Ex e |
| IECEx | International | Harmonized testing & certification | IECEx Certificate |
| NEC/UL HazLoc | United States | Hazardous location safety standards | Class I, Div 1 |
| KOSHA | Korea | Safety certification for hazardous equipment | Ex d, Ex e |
Abbreviations:
- Ex d: Flameproof enclosure
- Ex e: Increased safety design
How Orange1 Supports Export-Focused OEMs
Orange1 designs and manufactures flameproof motors certified for ATEX, IECEx, and other global approvals. Through Orange1 America, OEMs gain access to local stocking and tailored supply programs aligned with project schedules.
“We remove barriers for OEMs,” says Zerbato. “With motors already holding ATEX and KOSHA approvals, engineers can focus on their core product — pumps, compressors, or systems — without certification delays.”
Benefits for Engineers and Procurement Teams
For engineers, sourcing ATEX-certified motors means confidence in meeting safety and compliance standards globally. Procurement teams benefit from Orange1 America’s reliable delivery, reduced lead times, and compliance assurance — all critical factors for avoiding costly project delays and safeguarding market reputation.
Conclusion: ATEX as a Gateway to Global Markets
“ATEX is more than a European directive — it’s a gateway to international trade,” concludes Zerbato. “OEMs who incorporate global certifications early in their designs protect against costly redesigns and open doors to broader markets.”
Partnering with Orange1 America provides OEMs with certified flameproof motors engineered in Europe and supported locally in the U.S. Whether your equipment targets Europe, Korea, or beyond, Orange1 delivers motors ready for your markets.
Are you planning an export project requiring ATEX, IECEx, or KOSHA compliance? Contact Orange1 America to explore our globally certified flameproof motor solutions and ensure your equipment meets international standards.
